'Bigger and better' ForeShore Adventure Run returns to Muskegon beach

MUSKEGON, MI -- The challenge of overcoming physical obstacles is what will draw hundreds of competitors to Pere Marquette Beach this weekend for the ForeShore Adventure Run.

But the fundraiser for the Muskegon Rescue Mission, scheduled for Saturday, May 20, will also help the local nonprofit provide food, shelter and programs aimed at helping others overcome the figurative obstacles in their lives.

The event is expected to be better than ever as it enters its third year, according to Rescue Mission Marketing and Communications Manager Tim Lopez.

"Every year we want to make this event bigger and better," Lopez said. "We're always changing the obstacles and increasing the intensity. We want people to come back year after year."

The wet and sandy 5K course weaves along the beach and includes 25 obstacles designed to challenge runners.

"Some they conquer quickly," Lopez said. "There may be some that take a little longer to get through."

The race starts at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, with flights of 40-50 runners starting every 10 minutes. The final set of runners is expected to start at 11:30 a.m., meaning the race should conclude just after noon.

In 2016, the Muskegon Rescue Mission provided more than 145,000 meals at its shelter and food pantry and provided 22,590 nights of shelter to local people in need of someplace to stay. The nonprofit also offers counseling and other services and programs intended to help those it serves make positive changes in their lives.

The Christian ministry created the event in 2015 to help raise funds for its food pantry and homeless shelters.

"It's a perfect tie-in with what we do here," Lopez said. "People come to us from all walks of life. They're broken and addicted and abused. We're working to help them overcome life's obstacles."

With the race registration fee ranging from $40-50 per person and the organization's cost of a single hot meal being $1.97, he said each runner is helping the organization providing 20 or more meals.

"One hundred percent of the proceeds from this event support the programs here," Lopez said, explaining that a number of community sponsorships cover the cost of putting on the event. "The impact of this on the mission is huge."

With 400-500 participants already signed up, Lopez said the organization is expecting a record-setting year in terms of participants.

Runners should expect some obstacles based on what they've seen in past years, but also some new challenges, though organizers are keeping details close to their chests to preserve surprises for runners on race day.

"That's part of the fun," Lopez said. "This year they're going to have a fun finish for the event, let's just say the last obstacle is going to be a highlight to the event. And they'll find some other unexpected things along the course."

For those who registered for the race early, before April 30, the registration fee was $40. From May 1-19, the fee will be $45. Entry is $50 the day of the event.

Participants can still register online until 5 p.m. Friday, May 19, and can register in-person at the race site from 6-8 p.m. Friday night or before the race Saturday morning.

All runners are invited to Pere Marquette Beach from 6-9 p.m. Friday to pick up their packets and get a sneak peek and some sections of the course.